Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge covers 19.3 million acres (7.8 million hectares) of wilderness in northeastern Alaska, including mountain ranges, tundra plains, and coastal zones. The landscape stretches from the peaks of the Brooks Range to the Beaufort Sea, providing habitat for caribou, polar bears, wolves, and more than two hundred bird species.

President Dwight Eisenhower established this protected area in 1960 to preserve the natural resources and wildlife populations of the Arctic region. Later expansions increased the size significantly, securing additional ecosystems for future generations.

The Gwich'in people call the coastal plain Iizhik Gwats'an Gwandaii Goodlit and continue their traditional relationship with the land. Indigenous communities use this territory for hunting and gathering, maintaining practices passed down through generations.

Access requires careful planning and usually involves chartered aircraft, as no roads lead into or exist within the area. Visitors should prepare for extreme weather conditions and complete isolation, as infrastructure and emergency services are absent.

North America's two largest alpine lakes, Peters and Schrader, lie within the refuge and serve as critical habitats for numerous fish species. Migratory birds use these waters as stopover points during their long journeys between continents.

Location: North Slope Borough

Location: Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area

Inception: 1960

Operator: United States Fish and Wildlife Service

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/arctic

GPS coordinates: 68.75000,-143.50000

Latest update: December 11, 2025 20:44